The Ins and Outs of Silver
Silver is an element that has been around since antiquity. It can be found being used in a multitude of things from silverware and jewellery to mirrors and currency. It is really one of the most popular elements in the world. The world of jewellery saw silver’s popularity over gold during the later part of the 20th century and in the early years of the 21st Century. At present, there are more uses for silver than there ever has been. It continues to be a popular precious metal and will undoubtedly continue to be one.
Silver in History
Silver has been used in so many items over the years. In history, its use was often based in ornamentation and in the creation of valuable pieces of jewellery and other items. Silver managed to find its way on the heads of kings and emperors as well as in money.
In the Old world around 4000 BC, silver can be found in Asian and Greek Regions. But, it wasn’t until the late 15th century that the production of silver really hit an up slope and the main reason for this is the establishment of numerous new silver mines in the New World, particularly in South America. The continued improvement in mining and production of silver over the years has helped improve the quality as well as increase the volume of silver in the market. At present, most of the silver that is produced is already a by product of the mining of other precious metals like Gold.
Uses of Silver as a Precious Metal
Silver is one of the more popular precious metals in the world. Its popularity stems from the fact that silver has long been a symbol of wealth and status in a majority of cultures. It is used to make high quality products from kitchen utensils, ornaments and jewellery. It is also used in various other ways such as in electronics, dentistry, mirrors, medication, clothing, food and a lot more.
As a metal, silver is known for its high conductivity and that is the main reason why it is used in electronics as contact points and also in circuits. High end audio equipment often uses silver wiring to minimize the loss of audio quality. Dentistry found its use for silver n the form of amalgams and dental fillings. High quality mirrors are known to use silver for their backing in order to provide a great degree of reflectivity. Silver has been used in medicine throughout history. It has found modern uses in medicine because of its effectiveness as an anti-bacterial agent. Silver in clothing is often used to prolong the life of the material as well as to prevent bacterial growth on the material as well as prevent the formation of odor. Food has also found its uses for silver, although most of the time it is used externally, like in silver coated dragees and nuts. Some countries, like Australia ban the use of silver in any form of food preparation. The uses of silver seem endless, but more often than not, silver is greatly associated with luxury that is why it is highly valued in utensils, hence the term ‘silverware’ as well as in Jewelry.
Sterling Silver
Silver alone is too soft to work with, that is the why combining silver with another metal to create an alloy to make it hard enough to forge and mold is necessary. Sterling silver is one of the most popular silver alloys that are used in creating jewelry, silverware and ornaments. It is the alloy of choice because it retains the most amount of silver in the highest quality possible.
Sterling Silver is 92.5% percent silver and 7.5% of another metal, most of the time copper. The term ‘Sterling’ is a combination of French and Old English terms that describes something that is firm and strong. Sterling silver is the alloy that was used to mint several of the world’s currencies in the past, hence the British term “Pound Sterling”. Another theory to the source of the name Sterling Silver is that it is derived from its supposed original name: “Easterling Silver”. Easterling refers to the quality of silver that is used in Germany currency called “The Easterling”. Today, Sterling Silver is used in making Jewellery and other trinkets.
Silver Jewellery
Silver is one of the most appealing and adaptable metals and can easily take any shape or form that it is molded into. Silver Jewellery, like other high end material has the ability to cross demographics. It can appeal to the clients, both men and women from high society as well as appeal to the teenage and the hip hop scene. It has been used as traditional body ornamentation in many ancient civilizations as well as many indigenous tribes that exist today. Silver and platinum sit among the crown jewels of the British Monarchy as well as with the rest of the royal families all over the world. Its style has changed through the decades and the eras, but the classic styles are continually appreciated and valued highly.
Silver Jewelry Designs through the Ages
The use of silver as a jewelry medium is unprecedented, it is definitely at par with other precious metals. The styles of silver jewelry have varied from time to time and has adapted to the style and form of the age it belongs to.
During the Gregorian Era, the style of silver jewelry is symmetrical and elegant. This had been greatly influenced by the by the situation of the times with the constant revolutions and fighting. The jewelry designs in the Gregorian Era is a contrast to the intricate and complicated silver jewellery of the Victorian Era that was influenced by a great interest in the old world as well as advancements in the study of flora and fauna.
During the Edwardian Era, around the same time that the Wright Brothers took to the sky, jewelry masters started to romanticized styles with ribbons and foliage adorning the creations.
The arrival of the Art Nouveau Era showed a fascination for the feminine, with silver jewellery forged into delicate and intricate swirls and curling fancies that gave appreciation to nature and women. The Art Deco Era undoubtedly influenced silver jewellery as well, the shape of the Empire State building with its geometric lines were often translated into the design of jewellery.
In the late part of the 20th century, the jewellery was as bold and as big as freely sported by women. By the late part of the 1990s Silver jewelry was still growing in popularity and was most preferred by the younger set over gold. Silver Jewellery during this period was in simple lines and clean cuts.
At present, the predominant designs of silver jewellery are subject to change from season to season. No matter what the changes are, classic shapes and designs are continuously appreciated and emulated time and time again.
The Design of Silver Jewelry will continue to change in the future. It will inevitably follow the trend and the feeling of the society and era that it will fall into. One thing is certain however: Silver will be able to take these challenges in stride because it is one of the more adaptable and appealing precious metals available.
Taking Care of Silver Jewellery
Most of the Jewellery that is available today is made up of Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver Jewellery is not that hard to take care of. The only thing that an owner has to look out for is the formation of tarnish on the surface of silver. Sterling Silver tarnishes less than others, but none the less, care has to be maintained and the tarnish on silver jewelry removed frequently.
Silver Jewellery that is constantly used will tarnish less because the friction generated from wearing the jewellery will rub off any tarnish that may form on the surface. For periodic cleaning, tarnish removers are available in the market and it is advised to use a gentle and non abrasive cleaner so to avoid any scratches and damage to the shine and luster of silver. This can be done either in the home or with the assistance of professionals.
It is advised to store silver individually. A messy storage spot with all the jewellery rubbing on each other is ill advised because it increases the chances of scratches. Silver jewelry should be stored in a flat non abrasive surface in order to keep their integrity and have them last longer.
Investing in Silver Jewellery
As proven by silver items that can be found inside heirloom antique jewellery boxes, it is without a doubt that silver jewellery is a worthy investment. Silver jewellery will last through the generations and silver jewellery that is expertly made will continue to appreciate in value. It is important to invest in good quality Silver Jewellery in order to be sure of its value. Silver has become a very indispensable precious metal and will be a common standard for something precious for decades and decades to come.
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